Benerando Coronado

Benerando "Bene'" Cruz Coronado, 84, of Abilene, Texas passed away peacefully on June 20 2023, with family by his side. Bene' was born in San Carlos, Coahuila, Mexico to Benerando Coronado and Herlinda Cruz Coronado on October 2, 1938. Bene' was the middle child of five siblings and the oldest male. Bene' and his family lost their father at a very young age leaving him with a big responsibility to care for his mother and his other siblings. Bene' was left to figure out the life ahead of him and assist his family to obtain a better quality of life. Bene' as a young boy worked at the local corner store or what is called a "tiendita" in Mexico called Montemayors to provide for his siblings, this is where he learned the importance of taking care of your family and being a provider no matter the circumstances. At Montemayors he learned the important skill of mathematics, he learned this skill without a formal education. Bene' was only able to attend his early years of elementary school but regardless he persevered and became great with calculations. Bene' also broke and trained horses as a young boy and grew a love for horses. Eventually Bene' and his siblings sought out the American Dream and they immigrated to the United States, lived in Del Rio, Texas and eventually he called Abilene, Texas his home.

Bene' married his wife, Natalia "Nati" Chavarria Cruz and was married to her for 57 years. Bene' and Nati resided in Del Rio, Texas initially where they had six children and in 1980, they moved to Abilene, Texas, where they called home for more than 30 years.

Bene' held a variety of trades such as working in the orange farms in Florida along with his family, construction, and the skill he mastered was carpentry. He was very respected in the industry. Bene' worked on major projects throughout Texas, Florida, Nevada, and Bakersfield, California. In Bakersfield, is where he grew a love for the song "Streets of Bakersfield" by Dwight Yoakam and would often request for it to be played by his family so he could remember those memories on the road while working. Bene' was a part of many special projects in the industry such as the production and construction of the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, located in Glen Rose, Texas, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Amistad Dam Port of Entry, located in Del, Rio, Texas, the Dam was a bi-national effort to establish flood control on the Rio Grande and provide sources of water. Construction of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice units located in Abilene, Texas - French Robertson, and John Middleton units and construction / development of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. Bene' was also involved in the construction of various highways and bridges across the states.

He was a simple man, and nothing meant more to him than his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and loving friend.

Bene' had a sense of humor like no other. His family can recall various inside jokes that are special to them. Bene' had great relationship with his children and they recall mountainous stories and fond memories about "Dad coming home from working on the road" and bringing them new clothes, toys, cars, and always having a good life regardless of what life threw at them. As for his grandchildren he was a character who will always remember his sense of humor, his quick-witted responses and direct bluntness at times but it was too funny to not take seriously.
Bene' was predeceased by his parents, Benerando Coronado and Herlinda Cruz Coronado. His beloved wife of 57 years, Natalia Cruz Chavarria and they are now reunited. His canine companion, Boxer, "Fuego" who was dear to him where they are now on a long walk together. His siblings, Teresa Cruz, Linda Cisneros Cruz, and Hector Cruz.
Bene' is survived by his children, Benerando Jr. Cruz, Jose Javier Cruz, Linda Anderson, and her husband Francisco, Luis Cruz and his wife Shelly, Criselda (Chela) Cruz, and his youngest son Alejandro Cruz. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Herlinda Sanchez (Anderson), Karina Tyler (Anderson), Karissa Gunderson, Ismael Cruz, Alexis Cruz, Andrew Cruz, Richard Badillo Jr., and Ryan Cruz. Eight great-grandchildren, Natalia Sanchez, Liam Sanchez, Kaden Tyler, Derek Valadez, Gabriella Cruz, Kiara Sanchez, Damien Sanchez, and Camden Cruz. Sister, Consuelo Ramon.

The family will receive family and friends from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX. A rosary will be recited at 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Park after visitation.

A mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 26, 2023 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 826 Cottonwood, Abilene, Texas 79601. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US Highway 277 S, Abilene, TX 79606. Pallbearers are Jose Javier Cruz, Alejandro Cruz, Ismael Cruz, Andrew Cruz, Ryan Cruz, and Richard Badillo Jr.